Road to the Derby analysis: Smarty Jones Stakes
Road to the Derby analysis: Smarty Jones Stakes
Jay PrivmanJan 20, 2015
Road to the Derby analysis: Smarty Jones Stakes
Team Valor issued a news release Tuesday morning announcing that Beverly D. winner Euro Charline will be aimed at the $6 million Dubai Turf (formerly known as the Dubai Duty Free) on the March 28 Dubai World Cup card.
The second race, a $48,000, first-level sprint that serves as the only allowance of the afternoon. Perchance, a Stonestreet Stables homebred, is a 7-5 program favorite for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, although trainer Carlo Vaccarezza is hoping for a minor upset with his $15,000 purchase, Little Miss Julia, the 5-2 second choice. Six 3-year-old fillies are entered.
Far Right came through on the rail, as even-money favorite Mr. Z drifted out badly, to win a harried dash to the wire in the $150,000 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park on Monday. Bayerd nabbed second, finishing 1 3/4 lengths behind Far Right. Mr. Z was another half-length back in third, while Private Prospect finished fourth.
Sam’s Sister was bought for $125,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale in 2012 but did not start until the summer meeting at Del Mar last July. Sam’s Sister has more than made up for lost time.
Despite racing at a distance shorter than his best, Micromanage wore down leader Irsaal in deep stretch and held off a closing Turco Bravo to win the $100,000 Jazil at Aqueduct on Monday.
Jeremey Day's analysis of the Wednesday 1/21 card at Northfield Park.
Brewster Smith's analysis of the Tuesday 1/20 card at Yonkers Raceway.
Upstart and Frosted are the top names among a field of 10 entered in Gulfstream Park’s first Kentucky Derby points race of the year, the Grade 2, $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes on Saturday.